Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s a viral infection, often painful, in which blisters and warts appear on the genital and anal area. Since the disease is transmitted sexually, performing oral sex with an infected person can cause the appearance of these warts around the mouth too. These warts or blisters are often known as fever blisters or more commonly, cold sores.
The herpes virus, once in the blood stream, can lie dormant in the nervous system for years. The virus may not afflict the infected person for a long time but can be triggered due to certain emotional or stress related triggers. Since the virus remains in the nervous system, it may keep triggering, causing the symptoms of the disease now and them.
Till date, there is no successful treatment for this disease. In a way, conventional medicine has not been successful when it comes to herpes. The virus cannot be eliminated from the nervous system by using any form of formal medicines or alternative treatment, as a result of which, the warts keep reappearing and the disease takes an intermittent form. Whenever the immune system gets weakened, the virus can get reactivated, causing the formation of often painful blisters which may become ulcerated if disturbed.
The conventional treatment of herpes is based on alleviating the symptoms and prolonging the time period between recurrences. In addition to the conventional treatment, many infected people go for alternative methods that will help them increase their immunity and keep stress at bay.
Essential Oils For Herpes Treatment
Aromatherapy, an effective alternative therapy, which is today popularly used to not only reduce stress but also increase immunity, is a popular choice for those who are infected with the herpes virus. Many researches performed on natural substances that may be effective in treating herpes have found that certain active ingredients in Cayenne pepper can help treat the pain of herpes. This active compound is also present in the essential oil of cayenne pepper. The oil may be directly applied, or used in a cream base for topical application. However, direct application of the oil is not recommended because the oil is hot and may burn your skin if not applied properly.
Peppermint oil, another powerful essential oil, is used to deaden the pain caused by the tingling nerves in herpes. Many other essential oils like tea tree oil and the oil of myrrh are also used to treat the pain caused by the sores and blisters formed on the skin of the infected person. These essential oils should always be mixed with rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil in equal quantities; otherwise they may end up burning the skin, thus causing additional discomfort or complica